The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1887-03-05

b1OIdcce1 Sut VI Adlt7stA H9t Rttet
and it carried elections by force and bz Tie
aid of visiting statesmen. 1t has given
away the public lands to railroad corpora
tions, instead of reserving them for actual
settlers.
During Democratic rule the right of
every citizen, no matter how humble, has
been abundantly secure. Not a blade OF
grass was ever disturbed by Democratic
administrator except under due process OF
law. Not home was ever invaded nor a
priyiles se abridged, nor right forfeited,
unless expressly warranted by statute.
All the monopolies which now affiict the
country have grown up under Republican
rule. 1t is the boast of our opponents that
they have fostered and protected these mo-
nopolies. A coterie of rich men control the
action and dictate the policy Of the Repub-
lican party Of to-day. They have driven
from its ranks every Independent element
that gave 1t character and strength before
the people. Nearly all the thoughtful
workiugmen who clung to its fortunes du-
ring the civil war have long since deserted
it. Our opponents have become leader
less and distracted organization, without
patriotic aspiration or principles, and catch
ing at every ism thai comes along. They
refused to adopt the suggestions of Presi-
dent Arthur upon the tariff question or the
Recommendation of Secretary Folger for a
reduction of revenue, an ID refused to ratify
the only important treaty which their own
President had made. TheNRepublican party
permitted the navy to deteriorate until i
has become the laughing stock of the world
| could bid defiance to it with the navy Of
the State of New York, which consists Of
the canalboats on the Erie canal-undel
the command of Commodore Shanahan
He could blockade the port of New York
by getting his canalboats in the way Of
other vessels, better than the whole navy
of the United States.
In a few days more, two years Of the
administration Of President Cleveland will
have expired. 1t must be conceded or
every hand that the country has had the
benefit of an honest and economical admin
stration of the government. The integrity
and sincerity of the President have nevel
been questioned by his most bitter oppo
nents; the laws have been faithfully exc
cuted; the revenues have been collected
with increased fidelity and diligence; tn,
expenses of the government have been re
duced: our foreign affairs have been con
dncted with conservatism and dignity; oul
finances are in prosperous condition; tn,
liberties Of the colored people have not bee'
jeopardized, but protected; free trade ha
not ruined the country; the Confederate
debt has not been assumed nor the nationa
debt repudiated, all ofwhich was predictet
by our adversaries; the business interests o
the country seem to be fairly satisfied; tn
hard times are slowly but surely passint
away; sectional animosities are fast disap
pearing; the New South, of which tn
eloquent Grady recently spoke so grandly
is booming with activity and enterprise
and our great metropolis Is reaping the ben
eft of an increased and increasing South
ern trade; in brief, the country has had nj
reason to regret the advent of the Demo
cratic party into power, and it cannot b
denied but that its administration of publ
affairs has been highly creditable, great,
advancing the prosperity and welfare Of tn
whole people.
If Iwere to make any suggestions upo
this occasion, l should only urge upon ou
party friends such action as will tend to th
encouragement or development Of NOR
vigorous and aggressive Democracy every
where. The Democratic banner should b
nailed to the outer wall, that all men ma
see our colors and know under which fia
we fight. l believe that the besYinteresi
Of the country are to be subserxed b
Democratic rule, and we should not 3
ashamed to say so. We have no apologize
to make because we believe in the prime
pies of our party. we are now as we ev.
have been-for measures, not for mel
We pin our faith upon no mans sleeve.
i The promises Of our platform on whie